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Description
Raised in a village after being discovered as a baby in a bear cave, twelve-year-old Yanka has always felt out of place because of her unusual size and strength. When a mysterious transformation forces her to leave home, she embarks on a journey through a magical forest searching for answers about who she really is. Along the way, she encounters enchanted creatures and makes unexpected friends while learning that being different might be exactly what makes her special.
Quick Summary
Imagine being raised in a village where everyone thinks you're a little odd because you were found in a bear cave as a baby and then you start growing fur when you least expect it. That's exactly what happens to Yanka, and it sets her off on a journey through a magical forest where she meets a whole cast of quirky companions, including a too-cheerful witch-in-training and a reclusive bear. The book balances humor, heartfelt moments, and genuine adventure there's real tension when Yanka faces dangers, but also plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that make it work for kids who might not usually sit still for a fantasy novel. If your kid loved "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" or books about underdogs finding their place, they'll probably feel the same way about this one. Parents should know there's some suspense and mild peril, but nothing too scary and the ending is genuinely touching in a way that might make you a little emotional. It handles themes of belonging and what makes someone "normal" without ever feeling preachy, which is a rarity in middle-grade fantasy.